Sweden should lead Europe's rearmament, says EU Commissioner
Photo: Sweden has a very strong defense industry (Getty Images)
European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius believes that Sweden can lead efforts to rearm the European Union, reports STV.
During a visit to Sweden, Kubilius noted that Europe is facing the largest military buildup in the modern world. According to him, countries like Sweden should take the lead in this process.
"Sweden has a very strong defense industry and is carrying out a major rearmament, so it is a good example for other member states," Kubilius said.
He explained that Europe's defense sector is currently fragmented and facing challenges due to the lack of a unified internal market. As a result, European countries are spending large sums outside of Europe.
"We are running out of time to bring our defense capabilities up. Intelligence services in EU countries have predicted that Russia may test NATO's Article 5 before 2030," the commissioner added.
It is worth noting that the European Commission has developed the Readiness 2030 program, which, among other things, aims to secure long-term funding for the armament of member states.
At the end of March, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that his country plans its largest rearmament since the Cold War. He also stated that, as part of this plan, military assistance to Ukraine would be increased.
